About
Kunya Ark, also known as the Old Fortress, stands in Itchan Kala, the walled old town of Khiva in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. It is a fortress that dates from the 17th century and once served as the residence of the rulers of Khiva.
What to see inside
Today the fortress houses several museums, so a visit is less about a single room and more about moving through a series of spaces that once made up a royal seat. Among them are the throne room and the royal mint. Walking through these rooms gives a clear sense of how the Khivan court was organised and how it functioned as a centre of power.
Planning your visit
- Kunya Ark is located inside Itchan Kala, so it is easy to combine with a wander through the old town's streets.
- The museums make it a suitable choice for visitors interested in history, royal architecture and the region's past.
- Allow time to move between the different exhibition spaces rather than rushing through them.
Because the fortress sits within the old town, it works well as one stop among several. Visitors who spend time in Itchan Kala can pair a visit here with other historic buildings and the quiet lanes of the walled quarter, which together give a fuller picture of Khiva as a place shaped by its long history.
